Male driver and young boy killed by falling tree on Monbulk Rd

A young boy and a man have died in a freak accident in the Dandenong Ranges when a falling tree crushed their car near Sherbrooke. It comes as wild weather battered Victoria.

The tree that fell, killing the boy and man who was driving. Picture: Josh Fagan

Two people have died near Sherbrooke after a falling tree crushed their car as strong winds hit Victoria late yesterday.

A 46-year-old man, who was driving, and a 10-year-old boy were killed when tragedy struck at 5.30pm.

A tall gum tree was ripped from the ground and came crashing down on top of their car as they were driving towards Sherbrooke between Glen Harrow Heights Rd and Kallista-Emerald Rd, about 3km from the small community.

Both died at the scene.

Debris at the scene on Monbulk Rd. Picture: Josh Fagan

Authorities cleared the tree to allow traffic to pass through. Picture: Josh Fagan

The root system of the fallen gum tree. Picture: Josh Fagan.

Victoria was battered with wild weather over the weekend. Picture: Josh Fagan.

Debris from the crushed car was strewn across the side of the road.

The accident happened close to the popular bird-feeding site at Grants Picnic Ground.

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Knox Highway Patrol officers are investigating the tragedy and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Fire crews who attended the scene described it as a “freak accident”.

A post on the Kalista-The Patch Facebook page this morning said: “More often than not we can make a difference, sadly yesterday nothing could be done.

“A lot of times with traffic accidents there is some contributing factors but yesterday was just one of those freak accidents that can affect anyone.

“Thanks for the great professionalism shown by the attending agencies including Monbulk and Belgrave Fire Brigades, SES, Police, Ambulance and Vic Roads contractors.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the man and child.”

Victoria was battered by wild weather over the weekend, with heavy hail and strong winds lashing the state.

A man was crushed to death in country Victoria on Saturday, when he was cutting up a tree in Yarrawalla, 233km north of Melbourne.

And in NSW, a veteran paramedic was killed when a falling tree smashed into her car in the Blue Mountains last Wednesday.

The Sherbrooke tragedy leaves the state’s road toll at 167, compared to 105 at the same time last year.

More to come